The conventional textile production process uses approximately 8,000 chemicals throughout production to produce a final textile product, according to Eco Textile News. Included in these chemicals are a wide range of pesticides, insecticides and even formaldehyde.
Our skin is an amazing organ. It protects us from disease and is our first line of defense, yet our skin is able to absorb 60% of what it comes into contact with. Do you consciously want to expose you body to the toxins that are on a typical t-shirt?
Aren’t Chemicals Tested for Safety?
There is a myth that many of us believe that the government tests the chemicals that are on the market to determine safety. In 1981, the Toxic Substances Control Act came into effect, but this act allowed the 65,000 chemicals currently on the market to stay on the market with no form of safety testing. This is 90% of the chemicals that are still in use today. Ever wonder if your decreased levels of well-being are because of the 100’s of chemicals that you are exposed to everyday? In reality we have become the testing ground for all these chemicals.
Harvesting of Cotton
Lets look at the details a little further and focus on a conventional cotton t-shirt. One third of a pound of pesticides is used in the harvesting of the cotton for one t-shirt. Traces of these pesticides can still be found on your clothing, you may think that the minimal amount may not harm you, and maybe it will not. Yet, think of this in addition to all the other chemicals you are exposed to on a daily basis. Or better yet, think about the farmer’s as well that have to harvest the cotton. They are exposed to limits that are not safe for anyone.
Environmental Impacts
Then what about the runoff of water from the farms? Where do these pesticides go? They enter our rivers, lakes and streams – our water supply. Our treatment facilities are having a hard time finding ways to filter out all these new chemicals that are entering our water. Studies are showing increasing amounts of toxins in breast milk and fatty tissue. Where are all of these toxins coming from? There are many sources, but one of these sources is textile production and manufacturing.
Finishing Process
Also, many of the dyes that are used have toxins in them such as heavy metals and dioxin. Dioxin is a proven carcinogen, yet it is still used today. Not only are there toxins in the dyes, but there are toxins in the finishes as well. Do you have any permanent press or wrinkle free clothes? The solution that is applied to the fabric contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can cause difficulty in breathing, dizziness, headaches, nausea…Do we even need to discuss the chemicals that are used for sizing, the bleach that is used to whiten, the solutions that are applied to prepare for dying, and the solvents used to clean the fabric?
Next time you go to buy a conventionally made clothing item ask yourself these questions. Where was it grown? Where was it made? How was it dyed? Do I really need it? Picture the farmer, the seamstress, and the factory worker. Choose health, choose dignity, and choose purity.
You can find items online through stores such as BTC Elements and Greenloop. Also, my local Chicago favorite is PIVOT, an eco boutique.
My words of wisdom: Believe in love, in possibility, in going after your dreams, in never stopping, in not existing but living - fully, unapologetically and wildly, believe that all is good, and always trust your gut. 
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